Chapter 19: Frustration
Back at the Special Forces base, Cassie and Batman explain everything in detail to President Flagg about who they are and how they got here due to Mister Terrific's technology which they plan on destroying and the threats they are dealing with.
"I see. So worlds collide. That explains why your Superman wanted to overpower and take the United States for himself. I'm sorry for all that's transpired on your planet. I've heard sad stories before, but it is heartbreaking." Flagg stated.
"We've been through rough times, but nowhere near as much as Alex and Cassie have and their allies from the realms. We're all new to dimensional travel. But we got another problem that we could have prevented. Darkseid." Batman explained.
"I know who he is. I've read about him. He-" Kara gets cut off from Flagg.
"No. I don't want to hear it from you. Your cousin tried to kill my men. Take away my position as leader. And for all I know, he would have threatened my family." Flagg glared at her.
"But you don't understand. I'm not like him! Please, give me a chance to explai–" Kara tries to speak again.
"I can't trust you. I don't want to hear another word from you! Superman is already the biggest threat in our dimension! Now leave!" Flagg shouted at her. Kara felt very hurt. She tries not to cry but puts on an angry face instead. She walks away.
"Kara! Kara!" Bruce tries to get her attention but she doesn't listen. She continues walking away while Alex and Cassie look at each other with sad looks of concern on their faces. They reluctantly turn back to the president as Bruce went into details about Darkseid.
Flagg listens to Darkseid's history regarding him and his family before him conquering countless worlds and the abilities he possesses as well as the knowledge. He is known for being very strategic and none of his plans have failed. And to make matters worse, it appears they have made an alliance with the Netherrealm.
"I see. So now Darkseid has allied himself with our own enemies. And now he has taken Superman under his wing. But one thing isn't clear. If he killed Darkseid's son, why spare him rather than kill him?" Flagg asked.
"I don't know as of yet. Darkseid may be planning something big. If they were to team up with each other, the results will be disastrous. My best estimate is they will split up to attack different realms. Using divide and conquer as a classic strategy."
"But we don't know which realms they'll strike first. My recommendation is that we should probably fortify our defenses everywhere. And I mean in all the realms. Luckily, Bruce Wayne here has the perfect weakness for Superman." Cassie said.
"Kryptonite." Alex said, bringing up an image. "From what Kara and Bruce told us, there are numerous types of kryptonite. Green kryptonite can drain him of his energy and enough exposure, can kill him. Gold kryptonite takes away his powers. Red has random effects and so on."
"But that's not all." Batman chimed in. "Kryptonians are weak to the red sun from our world. A red sun can take away their powers, but it will never be enough to kill them. The real sun on the other hand can strengthen them. Luckily, we have more than enough to spare, thanks to Firestorm and Michael. It did not take long for Alex to figure out how to replicate more."
"I see." Flagg nods. "But what about Darkseid, Mileena and the dragon pet?" Flagg asked.
"From what I was told, Darkseid is very powerful, and undefeated in combat. We need all the help we can get to stop them. Believe me when I say this, now that he's aware of the multiverse, he's a bigger threat than anyone who has heard of him could imagine. This is about the fate of all living things." Batman warned him.
"We're currently constructing a plan. We're gonna lure him back to their world and kill him. We need to gather Michael's tech first before anything else before he gets his hands on the Anti-Life Equation." Cassie said.
"I will take your word for it, Cage. Keep me posted. Until next time we chat. Flagg out." Flagg signs off, leaving the three together by themselves.
"Flagg seems like a decent man." Bruce commented.
"Yeah. But he can sound like an asshole sometimes. He can be distrustful of others at some points. Really sorry about his attitude." Cassie apologizes.
"People fear what they don't understand. It can be beyond belief at points in life. Kara is young. She is smart and brave. She knows many things that even I don't know. But she lacks the patience to understand the real burden. She struggles to correct Clark's wrongdoings. Facing some mental challenges."
"I hear that. Reminds me of all the shit times Alex has been through ever since Kronika did all this shit to him. He's suffered numerous nightmares, a form of PTSD and a damaged mind which took a long time to fix." Cassie said. She tries to look at him, but he suddenly vanishes. "Wait. Alex? Where did he go?"
Outside, Kara is taking her anger out on leftover metal trash from numerous destroyed tanks, armored cars and jets and helicopters. She is pounding the cars, leaving huge holes in them. She growls in frustration as she uses her heat vision to slice tanks in half and throws tanks and cars on top of each other while throwing a useless helicopter very far away into a mountain.
The next thing she knows, Kara heard footsteps coming her way and thrusts her fist forward, only to stop mere moments before it could make contact with Alex, who instinctively catches it.
"Oh shoot! Sorry, colonel Alex. Didn't think you were there." Kara apologizes.
"Just Alex, Kara. I've taken several blows, I can take you in a fight." Alex joked.
"Well, given what you could do, you'll definitely do more than tickle me." Kara smirked. "How did you know I'd be here?"
"Because whenever I got pissed off, I'd take my anger out on these things with my own powers, sometimes make a big fire out of these things just for fun for special occasions." Alex said. "As soon as the call ended I wanted to check up on you."
"Thanks. I appreciate it, but I'm fine. Really." Kara lies.
"Kara. I know how frustration works too well. People are often bad at lying when they're this frustrated. You can tell me. Remember, I'm your friend." Alex tells her.
Kara sighs. "It's just that, my life has turned upside down ever since I lost my home Krypton because of Brainiac. Stranded on Earth, cooped up in Kahndq by Adam and Diana. My cousin being in prison and fed lies. Diana was once a hero, and yet I don't know what caused her to change like this or why she sided with Kal-El. When I learned that she was a hypocrite who doesn't even follow her own lessons for what she did to Harleen, that was when I found out about the monster my cousin became. Even though I helped Bruce and such and joined his side, ever since I arrived, everyone was afraid of me. Afraid of this symbol on my suit. I've been trying for over a year now, trying to make up for Kal's mistakes, but no matter how hard I try, everyone outside the Justice League looks at me like all kryptonians are monsters, and shouldn't be trusted. Like I'm to blame for what he did. And coming here, those soldiers, your president feel the same way."
Alex listened very carefully to Kara as she continued her rant. "And this symbol? It looks like an S, but it's not. It means something else." He reaches out and touches the symbol.
"It means hope. Kal-El always brought hope to our Earth, protected humankind from danger alongside Bruce, Barry, Diana, everyone. But all of that changed when he killed the Joker for killing his wife. Joker deserved to be punished for what he did, but death wasn't the answer. Now he made everyone fear it with his dictatorship. And now he's trying to do the same to your world. What if they're right? What if I am to blame for what he did? I was supposed to protect him, watch him grow and even mentor him. But all of that changed and I wasn't there to help him. All I can think about is if my ship didn't get knocked off course and be put in cryo sleep, none of this would have happened, we would've fought Darkseid together. Kal would still have Lois and have a kid. Part of me just wants to give up being Supergirl because most of my efforts have been for nothing. What if Bruce is wrong? He told me its meaning is up to whoever wears it." Kara finally relents and sheds some tears. She starts crying and nearly falls to the ground, but Alex catches her and they both sit down on a bench.
Alex puts a hand on Kara's shoulder as he heard every word she said as she cried in his shoulder. Hearing something like this makes him not only feel pity for her, but sympathy. He listened to where she was meant to give people hope and it had him thinking of something he learned many years ago.
"Maybe that symbol on your suit doesn't have to mean hope." Alex said.
Kara looks up at Alex and is very confused. "What do you mean?"
"Almost three decades ago, I lost a good friend named Raiden. He used to be a god until he passed down his godhood and leadership to Liu Kang. He gave his life to ensure our victory over Geras and Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn. During Geras' return, I was at my lowest point. Kronika took everything away from me. My parents, my life, me being lied to, not knowing who I was. She was the cause of my nightmares." Alex tells her.
"What happened after that?" Kara asked.
"The moment I thought I lost Cassie, I felt like giving up, because I swore to protect her and keep her happy and I failed, thinking she was dead. I ran away into self-exile. But I saw a part of myself, confronted my inner demons. And I saw Raiden. We thought that he was our symbol of hope, because he's the reason why we made it this far. He killed Shao Kahn once, helped fight back Shinnok and is part of the reason why we defeated Kronika and crafted this New Era. He told me that he was not the only symbol of hope. Anyone can be that symbol. Me, Liu Kang, my family, friends, my sisters."
"And you're telling me we should do the same?" Kara wondered.
"Yes. Before Raiden died, he taught me how to be a better man. A better hero. Everyone. Cassie, my kids. I taught them the same thing. Follow your heart and spirit. You don't need to carry this weight on your shoulders, because I've been there. It'll only bring you more tragedy and pain. It's what you do that defines you, not the suit. Remember that, alright? It's not the symbol they carry. It's who they are. It's who you are, Kara. You are the symbol of hope. We all are." Alex explained to her.
Kara dropped a few more tears before wiping them from her eyes. She thinks deeply about what Alex said. She begins to realize that he may be right. Maybe extend the meaning of hope. Kara finally looks at Alex and smiles at him before giving him a friendly hug.
"Thank you, Alex. Perhaps you're right. This thing doesn't have to be the only sign. I myself can be that sign. Everyone in the Justice League can be that sign. Maybe we have been that sign all along and we just couldn't see it. Despite all the stuff I'm going through, I enjoy being Supergirl. I don't want to change that anytime soon. I was never in the superhero business for fame and fortune, because it's the right thing to do. And it's never too late to decide to do the right thing." Kara stood up and looks up in the sky.
"Exactly." Alex also stood up. "You can't perfect your life, but you can improve, just like I have. I have faith in you and Bruce. Don't forget that."
"I won't. Thank you again. No wonder why Cassie loves you so much. I have a family with the Justice League. And you made yours with the Special Forces and beyond. Maybe some of us have more in common than we think." Kara smiled.
"Who knows? I look forward to more fighting with y'all." Alex smiled back. Kara leaves to head back into the base, smiling at Cassie before walking past her. Cassie smiles back before walking over to her true love.
"That was a fine speech you gave to Kara. That was so sweet of you." Cassie praised.
"You were listening the whole time?" Alex asked.
"Oh yeah. And she's right. That's why I love you so much." Cassie hugs him.
"I love you so much too." Alex hugs back before they lean in and kiss each other.
A portal opens in the Netherrealm. Darkseid and his allies step through. Superman, Wonder Woman and Black Adam were the last ones to enter. They were stunned by what they are seeing. It easily looks like hell to them.
"What in the world is this? Is this hell?" Diana asked.
"The answer is yes and no. I have only known this place for a short while. I have made allies. And if you listen, they will be your allies as well." Darkseid replied.
"Who is the leader of this place?" Superman asked.
"You shall see. Come. She awaits us." Darkseid motions for the three to follow.
The three look around. They see lava in many different spots. At least a couple of different volcanoes around, but they don't look like they'll be erupting anytime soon. Superman sees a few other fortresses from a far distance. Below the ground, he uses his x-ray vision and sees tiny lava flows from beneath the ground. He has never experienced anything like this before.
Ahead of them, they see plenty of monsters and demons standing in front of them as well as countless Chaosrealmers. Seeing these things is already disorienting for the three. Clark can hear quiet growls and snarls. Havik the Chaos Cleric holds up his hand silently, signaling that these three visitors are not the enemy. So they stand down. Darkseid does the same with his parademons. They stand tall like military soldiers as they all enter the cathedral.
Superman and his Regime are led to the main throne room after minutes of walking through the upstairs corridor. They walk in the huge doors, where they see many unusual creatures. A lizard man, men dressed in red robes, a big brute accompanied by a small creature, a woman dressed in all red and has red hair. And right before everyone's eyes, they see a tall dragon standing before her leader Mileena Kahnum.
"Ah, Darkseid. Your trip to Earthrealm was quite short. How was it?" Mileena asked.
"I have brought some powerful allies, just as we talked about." Darkseid and Steppenwolf step aside as Mileena and all of her followers see the three Regime members. Mileena smiles behind her mask as she stands up from her throne.
"Ah, welcome, visitors from another world. Welcome to the Netherrealm, Kal-El. Diana Prince and Black Adam as well." Mileena nods her head to them.
"You know about us?" Adam asked.
"Yes. Our new ally Darkseid has told me all about you three." Mileena stated.
"Such as? Tell me." Clark demanded.
"Your achievements in our dimension." Darkseid said, gaining their attention. "How you conquered your world with an iron fist, made everyone fear you. And how you eliminate all crimes on your Earth. But I have conquered hundreds of thousands of other worlds. My reasons for doing so are for the same tragedies you have suffered, Kal-El." Darkseid said.
"And you know me how, exactly?" Superman asked.
"Your reputation precedes you as you are a kryptonian. The most powerful being in the universe. You have lost a family, but you avenged them. Me and my kind lived in peace on our planet Apokolips. We once believed in hope. That was until the majority of them were destroyed by my enemies. Me, my father and my uncle Steppenwolf survived. He taught me leadership, strategic thinking, and how to inflict fear, oppression and power. You yourself have learned that without a mentor. I am sadly the last of my own kind. And I have sworn to never allow any more innocent lives to be taken." Darkseid claimed.
The three listened to his story. Kal-El is intrigued. He'd believed that he would be the only one who would suffer so much throughout their life.
"My god. I never knew that anyone else would suffer so much pain. And you've lived for how long exactly?" Kal asked.
"For thousands of years. We are New Gods. And I learned to believe that no other world should suffer like Apokolips did. I liberated all evil except Earth. I do not want to conquer the Earth. It belongs to you, Superman. But unfortunately, we face some complications." Darkseid said.
"We're all stranded in this dimension. With no way to get back home to our Earth. For all we know, we're stuck here forever." Black Adam said.
"Not all is lost. I have noticed that your former friend and now enemy has created technology from Mother Box technology to travel between dimensions. The technology can never truly be destroyed. It can, however, be repaired and improved." Darkseid said.
"Darkseid has told us everything. We can help each other find your machinery. We know these six realms. Come and sit with us. I will explain everything regarding the realms." Mileena steps closer.
Mileena Kahnum explains their Mortal Kombat world to them. The six major realms and all the different races to them. The history of the Elder Gods and the tournaments they set in stone. However, Mileena smirks evilly behind her mask.
"We once lived in harmony in Outworld and in Edenia." Mileena lies. "My father Shao Kahn brought peace to them for ages. However, it all changed one day, when our enemies from Earthrealm and Orderrealm have attacked us. We were vastly outnumbered. They wanted to seek the power of Blaze that lied in Edenia. A powerful fire being that would grant its user unlimited powers beyond that of the Elder Gods. We sought to protect it, but those from Earthrealm and Orderrealm have attacked us. Their leader, Liu Kang. A god of fire and thunder, have defeated us and banished us here, where we have been trapped ever since. My father Shao Kahn died at the hands of his friend Taven."
Mileena goes on to mention the enemies they have faced, but lie to Superman's face, claiming that Liu Kang, Fujin and all of their friends and allies are evil, including the Special Forces, clans, Outworld and Edenia. And the Regime begin to believe them.
"People say that order and chaos are somehow opposites, but in some ways can be similar. I've seen how they both worked in our world. But this…. This is something else." Wonder Woman chimed in.
"As a Chaos Cleric, I can understand your words." Havik said to Diana. "Me and my people love it. Any injuries we carry we laugh at. Any insult thrown at us is music to us. Any battle we have fought in is worth remembering."
Black Adam slightly smirks, liking the way Havik talks. It looks as if he actually agrees with him. "A chaos cleric, right? So you have lived for how long?"
"More than you could imagine. I was born in Chaosrealm, became their ruler before I partnered up with Shao Kahn and his daughter." Havik explained.
"What do you propose we do?" Superman asked.
"We help each other. If you can help us take back our homes, then we can help you reach yours. Darkseid has more to tell you." Mileena said.
Darkseid goes on to explain the Anti-life equation to the three. Of course, neither of them have actually heard of it. The thought of bending reality, controlling everyone's free will. Everyone seems very interested in it.
"If we bend reality, then can we change history? Then…. I could change Lois' fate?" Superman asked with wonder.
"I could become a queen of Themyscira again. Lead my sisters again. See them all again." Wonder Woman is also interested.
"I can become the first ever Shazam and be granted immortality." Black Adam said.
"We can grant our own wishes. If we help them take back Edenia and Outworld with our armies combined, then we will have a bigger advantage. They'll never expect us. I am currently tracking your technology as we speak. It won't be long until we find all of the pieces we need to reach our dimension." Darkseid.
"I also need help." Adrelita spoke up, getting everyone's attention.
"Oh, forgive me!" Mileena said. "Everyone, this is my new friend and follower, Adrelita. Newest addition to our army. Newly hatched from an egg. Adrelita the Dragon Princess!"
Adrelita bows before Mileena out of royalty. Superman has heard of dragons as a kid himself, but he'd never thought he would see one.
"A dragon? I've heard of one through bedtime stories and through myths and legends, but I'd never thought I'd run into one. Especially one that walks like a human and can actually talk." Superman commented.
"I thought you would say that, Superman. But I can do much more than that. I have necromancy powers. I can raise the dead for my own." Adrelita demonstrates by holding up one of her hands and a small portion rises up from the ground and they literally look like zombies.
"By the gods. An actual undead army. Zombies." Diana's eyes widened.
"Yes. My powers are still growing, but I am yet to reach my full strength. I need more bodies and receive more training. It has not been long since I have awakened and yet I was able to defeat one of the gods." Adrelita stated.
"I see." Superman nodded before turning back to Mileena and Darkseid. "We accept. We have more common enemies than I should have realized. Batman has no doubt joined with the Special Forces. Mostly everyone else has been split off. They don't know about our alliance, but given Bruce's intelligence, it won't take long for him to figure it out."
"But this time, we will have the element of surprise. They will not be expecting us sooner than they would expect. They don't know the real you. And they certainly do not know me. But they will. Do you agree with the plan?" Darkseid holds out his hand to Superman, as does Mileena.
Superman nods and shakes both of their hands. A new evil alliance has been formed. But only one can ask: what is their first move?
Note: Now the true evil alliance has been formed. Things are gonna be scary from here on out. Given how powerful Darkseid is, he'll be a force to be reckoned with. I liked writing Alex giving Kara advice. Something he remembered from Raiden back in Time for Vengeance.